It was a game of two halves at Port-e-Chee with the cards falling in Douglas’ favour as they beat Liverpool Collegiate 27-17 in their first home fixture of season in Euromanx South Lancs./Cheshire Division 3.

Janno van Zyl scorched over to put Douglas in front after just four minutes. Debutant Lee Illott added a penalty and a conversion as the Manx side forged an early 10-0 lead. The visitors fought back quickly though. Lee Oliver’s interception try plus a penalty and conversion from centre Paul Walsh, hauled them right back into the game. Collegiate were then awarded a penalty try which was again converted by Walsh to put them 17-10 in front, but Illott pegged them back with another penalty to leave the game finely poised 17-13 at half time.

With the wind behind them in the second half, Douglas got stuck straight in. Lee Illott added another penalty to bring the scores to within a point. James Bunce followed up John Hill’s chip to touch down and give Douglas the lead 21-17 and Illott wrapped up a fine debut with two late penalties to seal the win.

In Euromanx South Lancs./Cheshire Division 1, Vagabonds lost narrowly on the road at Sale. Tries from Midge van Vurren and Ewald Kilian, plus two penalties and a conversion from Jonny Beckley saw Vagas leading 17-16 with just five minutes to go, but Sale hit back with two late penalties to steal the points.